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Fiorentina tell Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea Federico Bernardeschi is NOT for sale after recent fan backlash

Italy international has been compared to Roberto Baggio but La Viola chiefs aim to buck trend and retain their biggest players

Current Fiorentina icon Federico Bernardeschi is expected to join Juventus

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FIORENTINA have issued a “hands off” warning to any would-be suitors for Federico Bernardeschi.

The Italy international appears to be closing in on a move to Juventus — while Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen.

 Manchester United and Chelsea keen to sign Federico Bernardeschi
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Manchester United and Chelsea keen to sign Federico BernardeschiCredit: Getty Images
 Federico Bernardeschi scores a great free-kick in 3-3 draw with Napoli
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Federico Bernardeschi scores a great free-kick in 3-3 draw with NapoliCredit: Getty Images

And La Viola’s owners have been forced to put the club up for sale after coming in for criticism from fans over their willingness to sell their top stars.

However, director of football Pantaleo Corvino insists they will be holding on to their biggest players, telling Italian TV: “Bernardeschi is unsellable for us.

“He came through the ranks and is one of us so, as far as we’re concerned, he’s going nowhere.”

Bernadeschi is an idol among Fiorentina supporters, and they have annointed him the new Roberto Baggio.

Borja Valero’s reportedly imminent move to Inter Milan caused anger amongst fans, with a banner hung on the streets of Florence calling for the owners to go.

But Corvino also claimed he —as well as star striker Nikola Kalinic — would not be put up for sale.

 Federico Bernardeschi has been compared to Roberto Baggio by Fiorentina fans
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Federico Bernardeschi has been compared to Roberto Baggio by Fiorentina fansCredit: Getty Images
 Federico Bernardeschi scores sensational free-kick against Borussia Monchengladbach
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Federico Bernardeschi scores sensational free-kick against Borussia MonchengladbachCredit: Getty Images

He added: “Kalinic and Borja Valero are contracted at Fiorentina and we care about them.

“They are still very much part of our plans.

“But, should they want to leave, then they would need to say it publicly.”

Fiorentina have always threatened to build a side capable of challenging for top honours, but constantly sold their best players for profit.

 Federico Bernardeschi is one of the hottest prospects in Italian football
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Federico Bernardeschi is one of the hottest prospects in Italian footballCredit: Getty Images
 Historically, Fiorentina have always allowed their best players to leave club, such as Gabriel Batistuta
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Historically, Fiorentina have always allowed their best players to leave club, such as Gabriel BatistutaCredit: Epa

This season, fourth place in Serie A will be enough to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2011.

And, for the likes of Fiorentina, it presents a great opportunity.

Stefano Pioli replaced Paulo Sousa as boss this summer after La Viola finished last season in eighth place.


Keep up to date with Fiorentina news, gossip and transfers on our club page


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